The commission may from time to time by order or rule, and subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the order or rule, exempt any security or any class of securities for which a filing is required under this chapter or any electrical or natural gas company or class of electrical or natural gas company from the provisions of this chapter if it finds that the application of this chapter to such security, class of securities, electrical or natural gas company, or class of electrical or natural gas company is not required by the public interest.